In Search of Swashes to Buckle

Krentebollen, tea and early morning sunshine in Utrecht before departure.

The modern evolution of Dutch cycling and stroopwafel-munching culture may not be as independent as they appear at first glance.

Despite having similar skill and time requirements, for some reason stuffed pasta with pesto feels less depraved than instant noodles.

Early in the trip, I had a whole month ahead of me, so it seemed only sensible that I should make some 'proper' (read: pesto-free) meals. Such was the thought process that led me to concoct this truly disgusting curry.

The unsung joy of cycle touring is being able to decimate whole blocks of cheese safe in the knowledge that you will not be storing any of the energy within.

Not since the 20th century have I visited Germany without eating spätzle. I live for the stodge.

Cycle touring doesn't have a doping problem, so get involved with all the poppyseed pastries that will have you.

Sometimes I am blinded by the fact that a product mentions two things I am into, namely mushrooms and Camembert. Fortunately this was amazing.

Perhaps the most unnatural things I have ever eaten. Quite tasty though.

0/10 for cultural integration in Denmark.

A long time ago, I went on a family holiday to Northern Italy. There we pretended to enjoy the culture but really we just wanted to go back to the co-op to get some more Caprice. What a joy it was to at long last find a replacement that lived up to the memories.

Beer became a rare indulgence after entering Scandanavia but on this occasion I could not argue with the lady in the campsite who was convinced that I deserved to buy a beer after having cycled for so long.

With this combination of pizza cheese and pesto under my belt, I'm expecting my Italian passport to come though the post any day now.

There are times in life when you just need to eat an entire box of Special K in one sitting.

In Norway, you can always choose to cook with a view.

In hindsight, the favourable cost:weight ratio of sugar-puffs-without-the-sugar was not enough to outweigh either the poor taste or the unfavourable volume:energy ratio.

Muesli is a good breakfast choice, and you can feel superior to the rabbits by putting liquid on it and eating it with a spoon.

If I had always waited until I found a campsite to cook dinner, I would have been sometimes very hungry. Since I was carrying all my food and cooking equipment, sometimes it was just convenient to stop at a picnic table and cook before cycling on in the evening.

Sometimes I count myself lucky that I have low standards when it comes to food. Put another way, I like that I like cold beans.

Any self respecting rocky outcrop can provide all the seating, shelving and worktop space that the modern kitchen requires.

A nice and serene spot to eat at a campsite outside Bergen.